On February 19, WiHPCA member St. Croix Hospice hosted Wisconsin Senator Jesse James (R-Altoona) for a legislative visit at their Chippewa Falls office. The visit was held as part of WiHPCA’s Capitol Connection program, which aims to build relationships between members and their local state lawmakers.

During the meeting, St. Croix Hospice staff, led by Statewide Executive Director Rick Risler, had an opportunity to discuss with Sen. James the value of hospice and palliative care for Wisconsin patients and their families. It also provided a great opportunity to thank Sen. James for authoring WiHPCA’s Palliative Care Council Bill, which would help improve the quality of life for patients across Wisconsin facing life-limiting illness.

In addition, the discussion navigated to other legislative and regulatory challenges faced by the hospice industry, including the Medicaid nursing home room-and-board pass through issue that places administrative and financial burdens on hospices across the state. Sen. James was highly engaged in the conversation and interested in helping the hospice industry in Wisconsin knock down regulatory obstacles.

Sen. James currently represents the 23rd Senate District in northwest Wisconsin, which includes parts of Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Marathon, and Wood counties. He is a lifelong resident of the Eau Claire Area and served in the U.S. Army for six years before attending Chippewa Valley Technical College, where he studied police science. Prior to being elected to the Wisconsin Legislature, Sen. James worked as a full-time police officer and was appointed as Police and Fire Chief of Altoona in 2013.

If you are interested in hosting your lawmaker as part of WiHPCA’s Capitol Connection program, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.